Professional Development for Student Teachers
Lamarita Vicenti, M.A., GCDFCollege of Education and Human Development
Career Counselor University Career Center
Objectives● Overview of University Career Center servicesRowdyJobsFinding your teaching jobsYour Tool KitResume writingReference pagePortfolioHow to Navigate a Career FairPolishing your Interview Skills
Overview of University Career Center
● Individual career advising and career planning● Resume and cover letter assistance● Interview preparation (mock interviews/perfect
interview)● Setting effective job search strategies and
networking● On-line job and event listings through RowdyJobs● Career fairs and various career-related workshops
Finding Your Teaching Job: Some questions to consider:
● What kinds of schools would you consider (public, private,
charter, urban, alternative, etc.)?
● What are your strengths?
● What are the areas for growth?
● How far are you willing to travel? Relocate?
Your Toolkit!
● Resume● Cover Letter● Applications● References ( b/t 4-5)● Recommendation Letters (at least 3)● Portfolio● Career Center support● Network: family, friends, friends of friends, associates,
instructors, colleagues, teachers, classmates, etc.
The average interview lasts about one hour. How long is the average resume review by an employer?
A. 2 – 3 minutes
B. 20 seconds or less
C. 1 – 2 minutes
D. As long as it takes
B. 20 seconds or less
General Tips for Resumes: ● Please do not use “I” on a resume
● Your resume should not exceed 2 pages
● Keep it professional: Please use a traditional font size and type
● Use nice resume paper!
● Incorporate key words & specialized language
● Check: Formatting, alignment, punctuation, acronyms, verb tenses
● Proofread! Use PC/manual spelling and grammar check + have
someone else proofread!
Resume Development ● What unique qualities / experiences can I bring?● What are recruiters looking for in a resume?● How can I stand out?
*Resume Sample*
References: Start cultivating your references early on in your college career!
You should have 3-5 good references (can also provide recommendation letters for you)
Preferred References:
Cooperating Teacher
University Supervisor
Principal of a school
Other teachers/faculty that have seen you teach
A parent of a student you have worked with
Others that have seen you teach/train
Portfolios● What are portfolios? ● Electronic (LiveText) and Hard Copy versions ● May include links to lesson plans, reflections, personal
web site, video, etc. ● If included, explain all photos● How do you use portfolios to market yourself?● Do people read portfolios? ● Principals/ HR reps. may or may not look at them
SAVE THE DATEEducator Career Fair (8:30-11:30) Tuesday, April 2, 2013UC Ballroom FAIR ENTRANCE TIMES:8:30 am - 10:00 am - Browsing for UTSA Student Teachers and alumni ONLY10:00 am - 11:30 am - Browsing opens to non-UTSA teachers1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - INTERVIEWS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
SAVE THE DATERegister with the RowdyJobs Friday, February 8th, 5:00pm
Upload Resume to RowdyJobs Friday, February 22nd, 5:00pm
Complete School District Applications Monday, April 1st , 5:00pm
Student Teacher walk-in hours in Career Center-March 30th, 2:00-5:00pmUC 02.02.04
Career Fair Layout
How to Navigate a Career Fair:
● Be prepared! Career fairs are like screening interviews
● Research a few preferred districts if possible
● Have a game plan! Plan on visiting a # of districts
● Wear professional attire! Suits preferred.
● Have a 30 second commercial/elevator pitch for yourself
● Learn the art of networking! Career fairs are NOT just about
getting a job-get contacts!
● Have several copies of polished resume
● Practice marketing yourself
Polishing your Interview Skills● Research, Research, Research!● Invest in a Power Suit!● Practice, Practice, Practice!
Good Luck with Student Teaching!
Thank you!
Lamarita Vicenti, M.A., GCDF
Career Counselor III
UTSA – University Career Center
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